Welcome to the Patient Education Library of ENT & Allergy Center of Austin

We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about the various allergy and ear, nose, and throat conditions treated by our practice. Simply click on a topic below to learn more.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact ENT & Allergy Center of Austin in central Texas at (512) 328-7722. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.

ENT A-Z

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Did You Know

The inner ear is responsible for hearing and balance. Acoustic neuroma is a tumor that develops on the nerve in the inner ear. Acoustic neuroma is also called vestibular schwannoma. The vast majority of acoustic neuromas are not cancerous and are ... Read More

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a normally nonthreatening substance. There are many types, causes, and symptoms of allergic reactions. Different areas of the body can be affected depending on the allergic trigger. Some allergic reactions ... Read More

Asthma is a lung disease. Asthma causes the breathing tubes in the lungs to temporarily narrow. People with asthma have difficulty breathing air in and out of their lungs. An allergen or irritant in the environment usually triggers an asthma flare-up. ... Read More

Everyone experiences bad breath (halitosis) at one time or another, but how do you know if you need more than just a breath mint? Poor oral hygiene or something that you eat or drink are common causes of bad breath. It ... Read More

Balance retraining and vestibular rehabilitation are used to treat balance disorders and movement related dizziness. Balance is a complex function that involves the coordination of many body systems. Balance requires the ability to produce movements and interpret information about your ... Read More

Balloon Sinuplasty™ is an advanced procedure used to open blocked sinus passages. Blocked sinus passages can contribute to chronic sinusitis and breathing difficulties. Unlike open surgical methods, Balloon Sinuplasty uses no incisions, is minimally invasive, and has a short recovery ... Read More

Chronic sinusitis is a complication of sinusitis, an uncomfortable condition that occurs when the sinuses cannot drain. Although the average case of sinusitis may last for several weeks, chronic sinusitis results when it lasts for three months or longer, or ... Read More

Cochlear implants are small devices surgically placed in the ear to help people with complete deafness or near complete deafness to hear. This, in turn, can lead to improved speaking skills. In some cases, people with cochlear implants may be ... Read More

Computed tomography (CT) guided sinus surgery is a state-of-the-art treatment method for people with chronic sinus problems. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become blocked and cannot drain. The condition can be quite uncomfortable, causing congestion, pressure, and pain in the ... Read More

The shape of your nose can give your face “character,” but it may also give you headaches, breathing problems, sinus infections, and cause snoring. The septum in most people’s nose is naturally a bit off center. The septum is the ... Read More

No set of ears are exactly alike, but some people find protruding ears to be unattractive or bothersome. They can make children and adults self-conscious and the target of teasing. Fortunately, cosmetic ear surgery called otoplasty can reposition the ears ... Read More

Earache, medically termed otalgia, is pain that occurs in the ear. Ear infections are a frequent cause of earache, especially in infants and children. Air pressure changes and earwax buildup are also common causes. There are varities of treatments for ... Read More

Earwax blockage is a condition that results when wax that is normally produced in the ear builds up. Earwax blockage can cause earache, temporary hearing loss, and unusual sounds to be heard in the affected ear. A doctor can remove ... Read More

A goiter is a lump or swelling that appears at the front of the neck. It is actually an enlargement or nodule on the thyroid gland that can result from a variety of conditions. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that ... Read More

Head and neck cancers include those that occur in the structures of the neck, throat, mouth, nose, and sinuses. The majority of head and neck cancers are caused by the use of tobacco products and alcohol. Head and neck cancer ... Read More

Hearing is a complex process that involves your ear, nerves, and brain. A hearing impairment or loss may result if any of the structures are disrupted. Fortunately, hearing aids can help people with certain types of hearing loss hear, communicate, ... Read More

Partial or complete hearing loss (deafness) may be temporary or permanent, depending on the type and cause. Some people are born with an inability to hear and for others, hearing loss may develop over time. You should contact your doctor ... Read More

Hoarseness can make it sound like you have a “frog in your throat.” Your voice may sound rough and change throughout the day. In most cases, hoarseness is not the sign of a serious problem and is easily treated by ... Read More

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that results when the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of hormones. The parathyroid glands are located next to the thyroid gland at the front of your neck. Hyperparathyroidism may or may not produce symptoms. The condition ... Read More

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of the chemical processes ... Read More

Hypothyroidism is a condition that most often occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of ... Read More

Labyrinthitis is inflammation that affects the balance center in the inner ear. It commonly develops after a middle ear infection, upper respiratory infection, or allergies. The main symptoms are a false sense that the environment is moving and feeling off ... Read More

Meniere’s disease is a condition that results from excess fluid in the inner ear. The extra fluid prevents the nerves and structures that are responsible for hearing and balance from working properly. As a result, people may experience distressing symptoms ... Read More

Middle ear infection, termed otitis media, is a common problem in infants and young children. They result from increased pressure and increased fluids in the middle ear. An earache is the primary symptom of middle ear infection. Most ear infections go ... Read More

Mouth sores are a common condition. There are several different types of mouth sores. The most common types include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. Some develop inside of the mouth and others develop on the lips and skin ... Read More

Chronic conditions, such as allergies or sinus infections, can cause more than just a runny nose. Nasal polyps are small growths that form in the nasal passageways following long-term irritation. The growths are not cancerous, but they can make it ... Read More

Rhinoplasty, nose reshaping surgery, is the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty is used to change the shape of the nose, correct structural or functional problems. Nose reshaping can improve the balance of your facial features and enhance ... Read More

The sight of blood may be unexpected, but nosebleeds are actually quite common and rarely life threatening. Nasal irritation and low humidity most frequently cause nosebleeds. In most cases, nosebleeds can be stopped with self-care. Simply squeeze your nostrils and ... Read More

Otosclerosis is a progressive condition that causes hearing reduction and can progress to deafness. It results from abnormal bone growth in the ear that interferes with the hearing process. Otosclerosis is an inherited disorder. Surgery is used to improve hearing ... Read More

A perforated or ruptured eardrum is an eardrum with a hole in it. The condition may result from air pressure changes, loud noise, infection, or injury. A perforated eardrum causes sudden intense pain and hearing loss. The condition may heal ... Read More

The voice should not be taken for granted. For non-professionals, voice is essential for communication. For professional singers and speakers, voice is a precious tool that needs to be well cared for to perform optimally. There are many steps you ... Read More

The salivary glands in your mouth produce saliva that keeps your mouth healthy and helps soften food when you eat. Infections, stones, or tumors in the glands can cause pain and swelling. Fortunately, most tumors in the salivary glands are ... Read More

Sinusitis is a fairly common condition. It can develop following a cold, upper respiratory infection, or allergic reaction. Environmental irritants, certain medical conditions, and structural abnormalities can contribute to sinusitis.
Sinusitis causes pressure and pain in the head and face. It can ... Read More

Sleep apnea is a common and under-diagnosed sleep disorder. It causes repeated episodes of stopped breathing (apneic episodes) and startling or gasping for air during sleep. People with sleep apnea frequently do not realize that they have it. The consequences ... Read More

Snoring is very common among adults. During sleep, the airway muscles in the throat relax. As you breathe in, the airway vibrates, making noise. Snoring frequently results from turbulent airflow and narrowing in the nose or throat that creates noise ... Read More

Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection. It is also called an external ear infection, external otitis, or otitis externa. It commonly results from an infection that develops in trapped water in the ear after swimming. Irritants or germs that enter ... Read More

Thyroid cancer is one of the least deadly types of cancer. It occurs when cells in the thyroid gland grow abnormally and out of control. Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. There are several different ... Read More

Thyroid nodules are growths that develop within the thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of your neck, in front of your windpipe. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are not cancerous, and in fact, ... Read More

Tinnitus is hearing unusual sounds in the ear that are not actually occurring in the environment. Ringing, buzzing, hissing, blowing, or other abnormal noises may be heard in one or both ears. Tinnitus is most frequently caused by ear disorders, medical conditions, ... Read More

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is unique in that it allows your lower jaw to perform motions in several different directions. You use lower jaw motions whenever you talk, swallow, chew, or yawn. Because of the complexity of the joint structure, ... Read More

Tonsillitis is a very common condition among children, but may also occur in adults. The tonsils are lymph nodes and the adenoids are glands located in the throat. Although they work to filter germs, they are vulnerable to infection as ... Read More

Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or false movement. It can result from trauma, infection, or diseases that affect the inner ear. Vertigo is usually a harmless condition but a doctor should evaluate it. Vertigo may be treated with medications, ... Read More

Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare condition that causes a pouch to form in the lower walls of the throat. The condition can lead to problems with swallowing and cause coughing, choking, and bad breath. Although the cause of Zenker’s diverticulum ... Read More

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on April 13th, 2016. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.